For the most part, I've grown tired of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's new Southeast Asian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
Among this movie's strongest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a calm family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see the family prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably led to a falling out among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two things: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting us the identity of every relative represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat in a genre which frequently presents characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking a sudden shift into shocking ground. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this condition has on people is absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object is available rather than freezing like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another feel far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
